Prior to applying for this position, we recommend you that you watch the Realistic Job Preview video by clicking the following link:http://www.voatx.org/sp/IDD-Staffing-Video. The Realistic Job Preview is designed to present a balanced view of both the rewards and demands of Direct Service Professionals in order to align the goals and expectations of applicants with the requirements of working with IDD clients.

Volunteers of America Texas is a faith based, non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals, families and communities reach their full spiritual, emotional and physical potential and wellbeing through a vast array of services that target the elderly, the intellectually disabled, those striving to overcome substance abuse, and those transitioning from correctional centers.

Function:
The Lead Direct Support Professional is responsible for assisting the House Manager or Operations Manager and other program staff in providing on-site management and supervision of the residential support facilities and the consumers in compliance with health, safety, funding and program standards as set forth in the HCS Consumer Principles and the organization's policies and procedures. Assists the House Manager or Operations Manager with the management of care for consumers in the group home or the life enrichment center. This position may also be responsible for the scheduling and activities of Direct Support Professionals.

Primary Responsibilities:

Assists in managing house operations, including purchasing and maintaining food and household supplies as specified by individual and program requirements.

Ensures that food and all supply purchasing is maintained within budgetary guidelines.

Monitors the comfort and safety of individuals served while ensuring living environments and program activities are in compliance with consumer principles and organization policies and procedures.

Assists in interviewing and hiring staff.

Provides coverage as needed to ensure adequate staff ratios.

Performs the duties of Direct Support Professional personnel when no other is available to perform the duties.

Manages petty cash for the residential facilities and the consumers as needed.

Requires regular attendance and punctuality, i.e., employee must be at the assigned work location (which might vary depending client needs) during the scheduled shift to perform the above essential functions.

When working in the HCS programs, will adhere to the programs' evidentiary principles.

Qualification Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and must successfully complete any required training and acquire any required certifications within prescribed timeframes. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
A reasonable combination of the following is required: ability to lead and train staff; ability to work independently; ability to effectively organize and prioritize work; ability to manage household operations; knowledge of behavioral patterns and problems of individuals with developmental disabilities; knowledge of basic homemaking skills; availability of community resources; identification of consumer training needs; development and implementation of training plans; documentation of care and training; and, physical ability to assist or respond to consumer needs in their personal environment. Tolerance, patience, consistency, flexibility and creativity in dealing with individual consumers and families are critical to success. Additional qualifications include: